It is obligatory to read Qur’an with the letters with which Allah has revealed it, with sound Arabic pronunciation, as Almighty Allah says, (And truly, this (the Qur’an) is a revelation from the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Which the trustworthy Ruh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] has brought down. Upon your heart (O Muhammad) that you may be (one) of the warners. In the plain Arabic language.) (Ash-Shu`ara’ 26:192-195)

And He (exalted be He) says, (Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an in order that you may understand.) (Yusuf, 12:2)

It is not permissible for anyone to deliberately change any letter of it when he is able to pronounce it correctly. This is a kind of mistake which is a sin. If a person finds it difficult to pronounce the letters correctly, such as people in whose language some of the Arabic letters do not exist, they have to try to learn the correct pronunciation, but if they are unable to master it then they are excused, but this is an exception that should not be followed. They have to do their best to learn and correct their pronunciation.

Ibn Al-Jazari (may Allah have mercy on him) said in his book An-Nashr fi Al-Qira’at Al-`Ashr, “Whoever is able to read the words of Allah with correct Arabic pronunciation but he deliberately pronounces it incorrectly like a non-Arab, out of arrogance or because he is too proud to go to a scholar who could help him to correct his pronunciation, is undoubtedly falling short and sinning and being dishonest.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Religion is sincerity: to Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.”

But if a person’s tongue does not obey them or they cannot find someone to teach them the correct pronunciation, then Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.”

Thus, you are advised to find a qualified Qur’an teacher who is qualified with the knowledge of recitation of the Qur’an.

The Standing Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta’, states,

The best way to learn Tajwid (proper recitation of the Qur’an) is to learn it by a sheikh who is qualified in and knowledgeable of the Qur’an recitation. If there is no such person in your city, then according to shari`ah it is required and encouraged that you should travel in order to find such a person. If this is not possible, then the Muslim should learn from his brothers and from tapes of professional reciters.

Thus, you are urged to learn the ways of reciting the Qur’an by a sheikh, as stated above and know that Allah rewards you abundantly for that.

We want to add here that the difficulty that you find in reciting the Qur’an will increase your hasanat (good deeds) and rewards. It was narrated that ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The one who is skilled in reciting Qur’an will be with the noble and obedient scribes (i.e., the angels?) and the one who reads the Qur’an and struggles with it because it is difficult for him will have two rewards.” (Narrated by Muslim, 798)